Doctoral Program
Foreword
The International PhD in Global Health, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Medicine aims to develop a new generation of research scientists with advanced competencies for performing disaster and humanitarian health crisis-related research and development. The program is designed to equip the PhD candidates with a solid background in global health, humanitarian aid and disaster medicine, deepening their knowledge on scientific research. During the program, the students will develop competencies to conduct independent research in disasters and humanitarian settings.
This PhD program has a flexible learning environment which creates an innovative approach to research education. Our international Faculty and well-established links with United Nations agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, scientific societies, universities, and research institutes, create an effective bridge between the academic world and the actual field work, enhancing future career opportunities in the disaster and humanitarian landscapes.
general information
The International Doctoral Program in Global Health, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Medicine is an interdisciplinary PhD program designed and offered by the Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO) through the Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health (CRIMEDIM).
Professors from all UPO departments, together with experts and faculty members from all over the world will guide candidates in acquiring knowledge, skills, interest, and methodologies to carry out innovative research in the fields of global health, humanitarian aid or disaster medicine.
PhD candidates will perform their research activities in CRIMEDIM headquarters in Novara (Italy) or within other UPO departments or laboratories, under the supervision of professors or researchers of a relevant department and in strong cooperation with a young and motivated team of junior and senior researchers and PhD fellows.
The PhD starts on the 1st of November of each academic year. Candidates’ commitment to education within the doctoral program is full-time and activities outside the scope of the program are authorised by the faculty board when these do not hamper successful completion of the PhD.
The research studies can focus on different disciplines, but they must adhere to one of the three main themes: global health, humanitarian aid, or disaster medicine. Applicants are encouraged to develop a research proposal adhering to one of the topics listed. Open applications are also possible for proposals that align with CRIMEDIM’s main research priorities.
The application round for the 2023-2024 Edition will open on July 12th and close on August 11th at 4.00 p.m. CEST.
Training plan, courses and activities
Candidates have the right to participate in all the activities foreseen by the educational objectives and the study program. They must attend courses and continuously carry out study and research activities. It is expected that candidates attend all lectures and seminars in the PhD program.
The PhD program relies on a set of lectures, courses, and events to deliver the necessary knowledge to candidates. The PhD program’s educational activity encompasses different types of learning methods:
Self-paced learning: a set of materials, documents, books, and articles that is available online and that is open to all candidates to consult whenever they want.
Basic learning: a set of introductory lectures on the basics of research methodology that must be followed in presence at CRIMEDIM headquarters in Novara.
Advanced learning: some lectures on advanced research methodologies are offered to PhD candidates and these are also open to candidates enrolled in other PhD programs at UPO and any other UPO researcher/student.
Scientific activities: these include webinars and scientific debates.
Optional lectures: on top of these courses, some optional lectures are available for candidates.
Scientific English Communication Course: candidates will attend an English course that will last around 2 months at a frequency of one session per week of approximately 2 hours.
Call for proposals for the phd of 2023
Applications concerning one or more of the following thematic areas will be considered for the upcoming year:
Climate change
Climate change threatens people’s health, health system functioning and the stability of ecosystems worldwide. Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and intensity and might have direct and indirect impacts on public health. This thematic area aims to gather applications exploring the different impact(s) of extreme weather events and/or understanding how to improve disaster preparedness and disaster response when these events occur. Particular attention is paid to the impacts of theseevents on the health system.Emergency Medical Teams (EMT)
EMT is a WHO initiative that aims to improve the timeliness and quality of health services provided by national and international Emergency Medical Teams and enhance the capacity of national health systems in leading the activation and coordination of rapid response capacities in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, outbreak and/or other emergencies. In light of the strategic objectives of EMT 2030, this thematic area aims to strengthen evidence and research within the EMT Initiative.Access to care in humanitarian crises
Globally, many countries are witnessing a humanitarian crisis and/or an active conflict. In these fragile contexts it is important to ensure continuity of care and guarantee access to essential health services, especially for vulnerable groups. This thematic area aims to gather applications investigating access to care in crisis settings, including strategies to achieve Universal Health Coverage and interventions aimed at health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected settings.Mass casualty/pre-hospital care
Mass casualty incidents (MCIs) occur when the number and severity of injuries exceeds the capacity of local medical resources, overwhelming healthcare systems. Pre-hospital care in MCIs aims to provide rapid and effective medical assistance, optimize resource allocation, and improve survival rates. This thematic area aims to gather applications advancing mass casualty prehospital care by informing evidence- based practices, improving protocols and procedures, enhancing medical technologies, and identifying best practices to optimize outcomes for patients in these challenging situations.Pre-hospital skeletal stabilization
Skeletal stabilization in the pre-hospital emergency setting is of crucial importance especially in the context of war and civil catastrophe. The external fixation procedure can be optimized by anticipating it and making it capillary also with the aid of telemedicine and simulators. A feasibility study balancing efficacy with biological and economic costs would be desirable.Simulation and technology
This thematic area aims to gather applications on simulation and technology, which represent assets in disaster preparedness and response, empowering organizations and individuals to strategize effectively and mitigate the impact of disasters. Realistic simulations help refine coordination and response strategies, while technology provides real-time information, early warning systems, and communication networks that enhance situational awareness and facilitate prompt decision-making. Advanced technologies like drones, remote sensing, and Geographic Information System (GIS) aid in damage assessment, resource allocation, and search-and-rescue operations. Virtual and augmented reality platforms offer immersive training experiences, enabling responders to practice in lifelike disaster scenarios.Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNe)
This Area is focused on advancing the understanding on the intersection of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) incidents and public health. Through interdisciplinary and multi-method approaches, the research idea can delve into the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, risk assessment, psychological impact, ethical considerations, and/or policy implications associated with CBRNe incidents in public health settings. The research conducted within this call will contribute to safeguarding communities and improving overall public health resilience.
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Doctoral Program is highly competitive: applicants must possess a very good academic record, previous research experience, and a keen interest in global health, humanitarian aid and/or disaster medicine research.
The minimum academic requirement for admission as a PhD student is to hold a Master’s degree. Candidates who did not graduate in an English-speaking country must provide evidence of their proficiency in English, which will be tested during the oral interview.
Each year, UPO offers a limited number of scholarships to the candidates who received the highest score in the selection process. The scholarships are meant to cover research and living costs for the whole duration of the PhD (3 years).
The tuition fee is 350 € per year for candidates holding a scholarship and 140 € for candidates without a scholarship.
For the 2023-2024 edition, CRIMEDIM is offering 5 positions in total:
One research grant ("assegno di ricerca") of around 1.790 € per month (the amount might vary according to the individual taxation system) for candidates who graduated outside Italy. For this position it is compulsory to work from CRIMEDIM headquarters in Novara, Italy, for the whole duration of the PhD;
Three scholarships of around 1.195 € per month;
One position without financial support.
Gallery
Contact Details
PhD program’s director at CRIMEDIM:
Scientific coordinator at CRIMEDIM:
PhD program’s coordinators at CRIMEDIM:
PhD Secretariat at CRIMEDIM